Mets in talks with Padres about Dylan Cease trade

The Mets showed they don’t like long-term deals for pitchers when they didn’t pursue Max Fried or Corbin Burnes, but they’ve been trying for Padres rental ace Dylan Cease (and presumably would also consider rotation mate Michael King).

The Cubs also are involved. But while their prospect list is ranked higher, with highly regarded 3B prospect Matt Shaw understandably off limits in rental deals, the Padres may prefer the Mets’ list, including Brandon Sproat, Jett Williams and Luisangel Acuña.

The Padres will listen on just about all (except Manny Machado or Fernando Tatis Jr.), so that likely does include King, also free after 2025.

If the Padres trade either starter, they will consider Nick Pivetta or Jack Flaherty.

Flaherty is a surprise in his continuing availability since he’s only 29, has no qualifying offer attached, was 13-7 with a 3.18 ERA in 2024 and had big postseason starts against the Mets and Yankees.

Pivetta, despite the QO, has interest from 10 teams, including the Jays, who’re focusing on pitching (while also trying to extend superstar Vladimir Guerrero). Flaherty’s former Tigers team is interested in him, while the Giants may sign more pitching.

Max Scherzer told the Jays he’d happily consider them if they look like a pennant contender following their 74-win campaign, and after they signed Anthony Santander, Scherzer was good to his word, agreeing at $15.5M for 2025.

The Mets offered old favorite Mark Canha a non-guaranteed deal. It’s been a slow market for position players over 32, but Canha, a versatile guy with power who’s posted an above-average OPS-plus seven years running, could help many.

J.D. Martinez, a big influence in the Mets’ winning clubhouse, is aiming to play in 2025.

The Mets haven’t yet strongly pursued Jose Iglesias, who belongs in Queens. OMG, does he ever!